Obtaining a passport can be time-consuming and sometimes, just down-right stressful. So when it comes time to have your passport photo taken, the last thing you want to happen is for your photo to not fit within passport photo guidelines. Making sure that your passport photo is going to be accepted is key, because if your photo is rejected, you could face delays in your passport processing. There are certain guidelines that you need to follow when taking your passport photo, which we explain in detail in this blog. Read on for everything you need to know about passport photo guidelines, and the best places to get your passport photos done right the first time.
Let’s start with some of the basic guidelines that you’ll need to follow. For starters, when taking your passport photo, you can’t wear glasses, no hair can be covering your face, no headbands or bows are allowed in your hair, and spaghetti straps are not allowed. Your photo can’t be too dark or blurry, and it cannot be taken more than six months ago. If you try to submit a passport photo that’s against any of the passport photo guidelines, you will risk having your entire passport application rejected, based solely on an unusable photo alone.
Below are some examples of passport photos that would most likely be rejected:
The Best Places to Get Your Passport Photo Taken
Unfortunately, even the best-looking selfie from your phone isn’t going to make the cut as an acceptable passport photo. The US Department of State website specifically says “hand-held self-portraits are not acceptable.” Besides ditching the selfie, there are other requirements that you must follow when getting your passport photo taken. Additional requirements that can be difficult to do when trying to take your photo at home include ensuring that your photo is in a square layout of 2×2 inches, using a plain white or off-white background, checking that you are directly facing the camera with a full-face view, and verifying that your photo is sized so that your head is between 1 inch and 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. If possible, avoid taking your photo at home and let the professionals take care of the quality of your passport photo.
The Best Places to Get Your Passport Photo Taken
Making sure that your passport photo is done right the first time is extremely important. Having a usable passport photo will allow you to get your passport more quickly, and save you time and money. There are certain places that you can go to ensure that your passport photo is done right the first time. We highly recommend going to one of these locations as they can help you take a valid passport photo. Try to avoid taking a passport photo in your bedroom or foyer, and instead, go to one of the places listed below to make sure your passport photo is going to be accepted without any hassle.
Swift Passport Services: We can print your photos here in our office, and ensure that they are going to accepted. Please note that we do charge $15 for this service. Check out the Swift Passport Photo Guidelines for further information.
Independent Mail Stores: FedEx Office and UPS often have passport photo services, as do AIM Mail Centers, Postal Annex Stores, and other small businesses offering pack and ship services.
Big-Name Pharmacies: Big-name pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and other chain pharmacies will often offer a passport photo service. All you have to do is find a location near you that offers the service, they’ll take your photo right then and there while following regulations, and will print you copies to go.
Big Box Stores: Target and Wal-Mart may advertise passport photos, but their services may be limited to printing photos in the required format using an existing photo of yours. You can upload your photo online, place your order, and pick it up in a nearby location or have it delivered to your home. Certain Target locations offer on-site photos, but make sure to double-check your local Target to make sure.
Professional Photography Studios: When you get your passport photo done at a professional photography studio, you can be sure they’ll be done right the first time. You can try a local privately owned studio or a studio in a department store such as J.C. Penny.
The Post Office: Select post office locations offer on-site passport photo services. Contact your local post office to see if this is an option at their location.
If you have any questions regarding your passport photo or are interested in having your passport photo taken at our Swift office in Chicago, please feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to answer your questions or schedule a time for you to come and take your passport photos. We look forward to assisting you! No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!
12 thoughts on “The Best Places to Get Passport Photos Done Right the First Time”
As always you write nice, detailed and useful content 🙂
Good job.
And thank you.
Hi Yolanda! Thanks for the kind words! We hope the content we put out helps someone out! If theres ever any suggestions for topics let us know!
Nice post and very informative for those people who are looking for different options to get the passport photos clicked. I also would like to add people can prefer online passport photo services as it helps people in saving time and money. Thanks a Lot!!!
Glad we can provide some relevant information for folks looking for alternate ways to get passport photos done! Also, thanks for the info!
I had my passport photo taken at a local Rite Aid pharmacy that advertised doing it the right way, and my photo was still rejected. The store may conveniently provide the service, but there is always the possibility that the person snapping the photo won’t be as meticulous as you’d hoped he would be ….
Hi Gail, Were you able to get a new photo taken? If not, let us know, we’d be happy to locate somewhere near you to get one done
I got a passport photo taken today and it was diabolical. I am not so young but with florescent lights overhead it was like a bad mug shot…Luckily the lady agreed with me and I didn’t have to buy them. Is there a place that has decent lighting to achieve at least somewhat of a nice picture?
omg Dolli the same thing happened to me. The worst photo I’ve ever seen of myself in my entire life – at a Walgreens. Now I have to do it again and spend another $15.
I’m hoping you can help! I’m renewing my Canadian Passport and need very specific size photos. They are a little different than US Passport photos. I need 2 x 2-3/4 inches. Can CVS/Walgreens create different sizes? If not, where do I go for these photos? Elizabeth
In our experience, they would most likely not be able to accommodate that size. If you are in the downtown Chicago area, we can provide this service. If not, there are typically photo centers that specialize in these sizes.
My photo was rejected although it was taken at the post office. Would they retake it for free or would I have to pay again ?
If you have your receipt for the photo and your letter from the Passport Agency, they may take it for free. However, I would personally go somewhere new to avoid the hassle of a refund, etc.